Top Yemen hotels
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The futa , a length of cloth wrapped around the waist like a skirt, is worn by most Yemeni men. The are usually rather sober geometrical patterns in black, white, grey and brown but sometimes gaudy ikat-dyed cloth or fluorescent stripes.Or you could buy a knock-off bit of football kit. Actually a Barca or Chelsea shirt works quite well with a futa. between 1000 & 3000 rials
When you drive through the Hadramaut region you will see local markets where the Yemeni people sell their handcraft and you can buy everything from carpets to hats that will provide shade when you work in the field or for when you ride your donkey. The hats might not be what you decide to buy but have a look around and see all the amazing baskets and other things the women make from straw.Also, the cars in the Hadramaut region are pimped like no other place in the world! Bags made of straw As little as your conscience lets you..they are poor people.
You can buy the traditional embroidered belts that the men wear to hold their Jambiyas (traditional dagger) in markets and Suqs. They are beautifully hand embroidered in gold. I bought mine from an old lady on the street in Hajjarah who had been working on it for 2 months since Ramadan and I paid $25 for it (about £13) which seems a lot but the embroidery is exquisite. The backing fabric is a heavy cotton calico and the ends are unfinished as it is new. I will need to fix a buckle or some way of fastening it. The second hand ones in the market have fastenings, but are sometimes a bit worn and dirty.
Yemen is one of the best places I have visited for buying colourful scarves.You can buy them in shops in most towns, souks, markets and street vendors often sell them too. They are all very varied in design and colour and make ideal gifts as the prices are really reasonable.I don't know if they are made in Yemen as Yemen has a history of trading with India and The East. We did see some weaving looms in Zabid and Shibam so it's possible some are locally made.The quality varies and if you can, buy one that is wrapped up in a sealed bag as they are less likely to have been handled much and will be cleaner.Beware of buying them in some of the highland villages, particularly Thula, where the vendors pursue you relentlessly and try to charge $25 per scarf. Their scarves are inferior quality, some had holes in and were dirty.The best selection we found were sold by 2 boys outside the Shibam...
Some important tips for buying in the Sanaa Suk (the most worthwhile bazaar of Yemen). The rules apply anywhere in Yemen. Shopping can be great fun in Yemen. 1. Haggling is not as common as in other tourist destinations. The prices are usually not ridiculously high tourist prices but more or less what you will pay. Some haggling is okay just for the fun of it, but don`t expect the price to drop to 50% of the original offer. 2. There are virtually no aggressive hawkers trying to force you buying something you don`t want. The traders will try to get your attention but if you show that you are not interested or the price is too high, they usually accept your decision without hard feelings. It is not stressful to go shopping in a Yemeni Suk. The only exceptions where the villages of Thulla, Shibam and Hajjara, where they practice "hard selling" but even there a "no" will be accepted. 3....
Near Bab Al-Yemen there are many small shops selling dates Find the local Yemeni dates which are the best ..and most expensive ones. They are very dry compared to Saudi dates but taste much better! Depends on how good you are at haggeling
Shopping is a part of your itinerary there.There is a Mall building, in the very modern side of shopping, but i suggest to get involved to the old city small shopps, even you dont buy so many things.Nowhere in the Yemen can be described as a shoppers' paradise although, for those looking for unusual souvenir gifts, local craft goods are sometimes available.Yemeni silverware can be found in Sana'a and Ta'izz -- some genuinely old, some specially made to look old. Curved tribesmen's daggers or jambiyas are often to be found for sale; some are relatively cheap, but others, with more ornate silver and gold decoration or handles made from rare rhinoceros horn, are much more expensive. Dont fofrget the fabrics that is in endless colours, arabic designe and indi influence.
The Hadramaut is famous for its honey, which tastes unlike any honey you can buy in your local supermarket. It is quite expensive, but makes a tasty souvenir. Ask for "No. 1 honey". 1500 Rial for a glass
Books on Yemen: Taj Sheba hotel (available in the business centre)Western goods: Yemen Mall (on Da'iry Street [Ring Road] close to the intersection with Hadda Road, on the side of Al-Rowaishan BMW/LandRover) and Sana'a Trade Center (aka Libyan Trade Center on Al-Jazair [Algiers Street], close to Tehama Trading Nissan/Peugeot) for watches, perfumes, shoes (Bally's), iPOD, lingerie, jeans (Diesel), Baskin Robbins icecream.Stationery/office supplies: Maktabati on Hadda Road (almost across from the BMW/LandRover dealer) and one in Hadda on Hadda Road (between 60 Metres Road and Medina Zakaniya/Beirut Street on your rgigt habd side).Clothing: Jamal Street (very popular shopping street West of Tahrir Square); CityMaxx (huge shop for women's, men's and children's day and night wear on 60 Metres Road, on your right hand side coming from Hadda Road, just before the Yemen Petroleum...
As the title suggests, what you'll be looking for in Yemen (if you're into buying stuff at all) are handicrafts. They're available everywhere where there is some tourist trade and the selection does not differ very much from one location to another. Greatest selection is to be had in the souq of the Old City of Sana'a (enter the Old City through the Bab el-Yemen and it will be ahead of you in its full glory). Jambiyas and their belts, jewelry, miniature Yemeni houses are to be found everywhere. There are a few galleries: in Bab el-Yemen (that is in the gate itself); on the square in front of the gate (in the far left corner); and there is the National Gallery (not a museum), which you'll find if you continue straight ahead (North). Prices are probably best here in Sana'a, but I wouldn't worry about it too much as most items are pretty cheap. Also bear in mind that poverty is greatest in...
Arabia Felix Sanaa
6 Reviews and 22 Opinions absolutely PERFECT! We had all we need - hot water, cable TV, views and very interesting stay....
Shibam Hotel Shibam
2 Reviews and 0 Opinions I didn't stay there, but went there in early afternoon hoping for a cup of tea. But they don't have...
Al Hawta Palace Hotel Say'un
1 Review and 10 Opinions Al Hawta Palace Hotel is situated on the outskirts of Say'un and is set in lovely landscaped...
Reviews and photos of Yemen attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Yemen sightseeing.
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Q: Hi, i want to travel to hodeidah and then to Mukalla.Can I get flight from hod to Mukalla and Mukalla to saana?
A: The only domestic carriers are Yemenia and Felix. There are no direct connections from Hodeidah to Mukhalla. You'd have to go via San'a. Of note, San'a airport has closed...
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